Ford, Lincoln and Mercury in upbeat mood

Dubai: The current year has been the best ever for Ford, Lincoln and Mercury in the Middle East, with new launches, record sales and network expansions.

The next two years will see more than 20 new models coming to the region's dealerships, Ford Middle East announced on Monday.

"Customers are in for a surprise from our lineup across the Ford, Lincoln and Mercury brands," said Jim Benintende, managing director of Ford Middle East, at the company's news conference on the eve of the Middle East International Motorshow.

"We expect that these new models will expand the customer base of the Ford, Lincoln and Mercury brands, and drive our business further as our dealership network expands across the region."

Ford plans to kick start the launches with the all-new 2006 Explorer.

As for Lincoln, the all-new Zephyr and the Mark LT will debut, next to the new full-size Navigator, the classic Town Car and the sporty LS.

The Mercury family witnesses various additions this year as the all-new 2006 Mountaineer mid-size SUV, the Monterey minivan, and the mid-size Milan join the brand's landmark nameplate, the Grand Marquis.

The five-passenger mid-size Milan embodies Mercury's new modern and affordable form.

"These are not just any models, but they are all world-class, award-winning products that we have carefully selected from our resources around the globe," Benintende added.

On the distribution network front, Ford's importer-dealers are investing heavily across the region in developing state of the art facilities that promise to bring a unique ownership experience and customer satisfaction to higher levels.

Over $100 million have been pumped in the last two years in developing major world-class dealership sales and service facilities, especially in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Ford Middle East's stand features Ford Fiesta, Focus, Mondeo, Mustang, GT, Crown Victoria, Escape, Explorer, Expedition, Ranger, F-150; Lincoln Zephyr, LS, Town Car, Navigator, Mark LT; Mercury Milan, Grand Marquis, Monterey, Mountaineer.